Praise Classics: 12 Artistic Arrangements of Timeless Praise and Worship Songs (Sacred Performer Collections)

Mark Hayes is THE go-to arranger for advanced piano sacred solos. Everything he puts together is pure keyboard magic and will earn the performer rave reviews time and time again. I love that his books truly are advanced and let you "be all you can be."When I saw the song list for this book I was a little worried that I might already have these arrangements from other books. Guess what? These are all NEW arrangements, completely 100% different than any prior ones done by Hayes. Each one is so different than anything else I already have.In Hayes' comments on the inside cover he says: "Back in the '70s, I remember the music of the "Jesus movement," which was a rebellion of sorts against the status quo of church music. This movement featured folk and rock music with amplifiers, guitars, and drums and had a big impact on contemporary Christian music. It was the beginning of what we now call praise and worship music." "Enough time has passed that a compilation of praise and worship music is apropos. I have arranged these songs before, so this time around I've tried to give each melody a new "set of clothes" musically. People born in the '90s or later may not know these songs, so this is a perfect opportunity to introduce these pieces to a new audience."And that is exactly what he's done. He has taken "old" worship songs and made them sound new again.Songs in this book include:GREAT IS THE LORD - I love this arrangement. Until this one, I have never been able to find one that really sounds advanced. Most of the time this song is arranged rather "bangy and clangy" as my piano teacher used to call it. This is energetic but not overpowering. Love it, love it, love it. I would rate this particular song at early advanced. 4 or 5 times through will have it ready for performance.(Approx time 2:15)HOW MAJESTIC IS YOUR NAME - Another winner. I have an earlier arrangement by Hayes of this same song but love this new "freshened up" version. My teenage daughter said it sounds much more modern and she loves it. The piece starts in a syncopated fashion that's really different---but in a good way.(Approx time 2:30)THY WORD - moderately slow, rather peaceful and flows nicely. I think I will use this for an offering piece. I also have an earlier arrangement by Hayes of this tune, but again think I prefer this new one. There are a few more arpeggios in this one, but it is still easily brought to performance level in less than one week of casual practice. (Approx time 3:15)ISN'T HE - I wasn't familiar with this song but really like it. It is nicely arranged and very melodic. There are more of the signature Hayes runs in this one, but they fall nicely under the hands. (Approx time 3:15)AS THE DEER - a really wonderful arrangement. It begins with an introduction in a minor key that flows beautifully into the body of the tune. Very well done and very original. The transition passages that Hayes inserts between verses are just beautiful and original. It gets a little "hairy" when it modulates into 5 flats, but still flows well. (Approx time 3:15)HOLY GROUND - This one will get them tapping their toes out in the pews. There's a one page introduction, that in true Hayes fashion could almost stand alone as a separate piece. When it hits the actual first verse it kicks it up a notch and gets a little more peppy. Then the second verse is a stately, octaved one that will really drive it home. (Approx time 3:15)SPIRIT SONG - Very pretty. Another winner. More difficult at times, but still nothing that can't be learned quickly by an advanced pianist. I didn't have any arrangement that I liked of this worship tune, so I was glad to find this one. (Approx time 3:45)I LOVE YOU, LORD - Oh this one is beautiful! This is another song that has been arranged "to death" by everyone under the sun, but this one by Hayes manages to sound like a brand new song. I love it and I know the congregation will to. (Approx time 3:00)THERE IS A REDEEMER - Nice arrangement with a verse in chorded octaves. I wasn't familiar with this one but do like it. (Approx time 3:30)SHINE, JESUS, SHINE - One of the best in the book for me, simply because there are so few good takes on this song that were previously available. This is a great arrangement that actually sounds advanced and manages to work in the rhythm sound that you miss when you don't have the luxury of playing with a percussionist. I can't wait to pull this one out for a prelude on a day that I need to wake people up....or as a postlude to get them out there door with a song in their heart. (Approx time 3:45)MAJESTY - A song you probably already have 3 or 4 different arrangements of in your library. This one really is wonderful, however. Once again, Hayes manages to take a song that I was almost tired of and make it feel all new again. (Approx time 3:45)BIND US TOGETHER - This is a great arrangement. It starts in 3/4 time and has a flowing, almost waltzy feel to it. It will have people humming along for sure. This is another one that would be great for an offering piece. Of all of the arrangements in the book this one is probably the least difficult, but it doesn't need to be complicated. It is perfection just as it is. (Approx time 3:00)Several of the pieces end with optional "transitions" that enable you to flow directly into the next song in the book without skipping a beat. That's great for services where you need to provide 15-20 minutes of gathering music, etc.All in all, I am thrilled with this book. There isn't a single dud in the entire collection. Every single one will immediately go into my service rotation, starting with this Sunday!

I have sightread most of this book already. Am looking forward to when I can play them.

I'm an old piano player who just needed more melodic arrangements. The melodies in this book are enjoyable to play and liked by the congregation. The church has a relaxed atmosphere and the congregation sometimes clap and I love to hear the church-goers hum the melodies. "Shine Jesus Shine" is a good one.

Fantastic arrangements of some cherished classic praise songs. The "advanced" difficult level is probably a good description, but not so difficult you can't sight read through most of the songs if you are an experienced pianist. Highly recommend!

This book has great arrangements. I only liked two of the songs selected though, that is why it only gets 4 stars, but if you like the other songs, I am sure you will enjoy this book.

One of my favorite arrangers.

I have several books arranged by Mark Hayes. I am a big fan! My favorite book he has arranged is the "Gospel Classics" which actually is advanced in level. I like the "Praise Classics" book as well, however, I don't feel it is as advanced as the Gospel Classics. If you are looking for something more challenging, look for his "Gospel Classics". This book is fun though, lots of good oldies!

Mark Hayes is a musical genius, no doubt about it! He is also a very humble and kind man, if you ever get the chance to meet him or chat with him via email. His ability to breathe new life into virtually any song is unmatched by anyone else. This book of classic praise songs is a must have for any pianist! Buy this and you will not regret it!